Response to Mayor’s review of role and costs of GLA’s overseas offices

May 29, 2008

London First responded to the announcement from the new Mayor of a review of the role and costs of the Greater London Authority’s overseas offices.

Michael Rooney, Chief Operating Officer of London First, said:

“We welcome the decision to review the GLA’s overseas offices. Action to reduce waste and inefficiency can only be a good thing. But we need to be alert. While London remains the top European location for business, it is facing mounting pressure from global rivals – not just New York, but New Delhi. We must continue to bang the drum for London abroad. Business will support the best way to do this, whether through overseas offices or other campaigns.”

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Note to Editors

London First is a business membership organisation whose mission is to make London the best city in the world in which to do business. London First mobilises the experience, expertise and enthusiasm of the private sector to develop practical solutions to the challenges facing London. London First also seeks to persuade central and London government to make the investments that London needs in its infrastructure.

London First delivers its activities with the support of the capital’s major businesses in key sectors such as finance, professional services, property, ICT, creative industries, hospitality and retail. Membership also includes all of London’s higher education institutions as well as further education colleges and NHS hospital trusts. London First members represent 26% of London’s GDP.